FSEMs: Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

The duPont-Ball Library uses Library of Congress call numbers to organize print books. Each book has a unique call number, a series of letters and numbers located on the spine of the book. This page is a tutorial on how to read call numbers and use them to find a book on the shelf in the library. If you have questions or are unable to find your book, ask for help at the front desk or contact us at libref@stetson.edu or 386-747-9028.

Here's a video about how to do this:

Use OneSearch to search for the book that you need. If the duPont-Ball Library has a print copy of the book, information about the book’s location and availability will appear underneath the title.

In the image below, the green check mark next to Available tells us that this book should be on the shelf and is available to be checked out. This book, and most other books, are located on the main library shelves on the top floor of the library. Next, you’ll see the call number, which tells us exactly which shelf the book is on. In this example, the call number is HM742 .F53 2023.

Books are arranged by call number. Each call number begins with one to three letters and is followed by a series of numbers, more letters and numbers.

• Read the call number from left to right. Call numbers start with 1 to 3 letters. Read the letters alphabetically.
  • HM comes after H, HA, HB, HC, HD, etc.
  • The letters represent a classification or category
• The letter(s) are followed by a number. Read the numbers numerically.
  • HM70 is before HM700
  • The numbers represent a subject
• The numbers are followed by a series of letters and numbers. Read the letters alphabetically. Read the numbers as decimals.
  • HM 742 F53 2023 is after HM 742 C66 2013. 
  • The next set of letters and number is typically the author's last name and the publication date

In the library, look at the signs on the ends of the shelves to find a section that starts with H.

• Then find the shelves that contain HM.
• Then determine which side of the shelf has the HM 700s.

A sign displaying the call number range on each shelf is located on the end of each shelf, as shown below:

• Find the shelf that should have the book.
• Browse the spines of the books until you see call numbers that are increasingly similar to yours.
• For this example, look for the HM700s, then the HM740s, then the HM742s, etc.
• Browse until you see the book with your exact call number. See image below.

Keep in mind that Library of Congress call numbers arrange books by subject, so once you find the book there may be others nearby on the shelf that could also be useful to you. If you'd like to check out the book, bring it to the front desk on the main floor along with your student ID.